In this powerful episode of Five Rivers, sponsored by Heald, host Dr. Sumeet Arora is joined by Dr. Todd Smith, a seasoned physician, to explore the evolving landscape of diabetes management in today’s world. Titled “Culture, Care & CGMs: Key to Modern Diabetes Management”, this conversation dives deep into how personalized care, cultural sensitivity, and the use of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are reshaping the way we approach Type 2 diabetes and metabolic health in the U.S.

Dr. Smith shares firsthand clinical insights on why early intervention in pre-diabetes is critical, how emotional and financial burdens compound after a diabetes diagnosis, and what healthcare systems can do to catch and reverse insulin resistance before it escalates. Discover how CGMs aren't just for the tech-savvy—they’re an empowering behavior modification tool that enables users to track real-time blood glucose trends, identify triggers, and actively reverse metabolic decline.

What makes this episode especially relevant is the attention to health disparities and the need for culturally competent care. Dr. Smith outlines real-world examples from his practice in Minneapolis, where diverse communities such as Somali and Southeast Asian populations bring unique dietary habits, languages, and family structures to the healthcare table. The discussion highlights how understanding cultural nuances and removing judgment from care conversations can make or break a patient’s long-term outcome.

You’ll also hear about the SMART goal approach in diabetes care, the importance of educational resources, the role of AI and health apps in interpreting CGM data, and why mental health support is a non-negotiable element in chronic disease care.

Visit HealD for more resources on diabetes management!

Are you constantly tired, struggling to lose weight, or waking up feeling foggy, even after a full night’s rest? In this eye-opening episode of Five Rivers, sponsored by Heald, host Preetpal Singh sits down with Dr. Shilpa Pandey, a board-certified sleep medicine expert, to decode how poor sleep could be sabotaging your metabolism, hormones, and long-term health.

Titled "Tired and Gaining Weight? Your Sleep Hormones Are to Blame", this conversation dives deep into the misunderstood connection between sleep deprivation, weight gain, and chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes. Dr. Pandey breaks down how critical hormones like leptin and ghrelin regulate hunger and satiety and how disrupted sleep throws them completely out of balance.

From understanding the difference between fatigue vs. sleepiness to learning about sleep's effect on your immune system, blood pressure, and insulin sensitivity, this episode is packed with science-based insights and relatable real-life scenarios. You’ll also hear about how shift work, blue light exposure, and late-night snacking loops can trigger metabolic chaos that no amount of willpower can fix without restoring sleep quality.

This isn’t just about getting 8 hours of sleep, it’s about hormonal timing, circadian rhythm alignment, and recognizing the early signs of sleep disorders.

If you’re on a wellness journey, trying to reverse insulin resistance, or wondering why your best efforts at dieting still leave you stuck, this conversation will change the way you think about restorative sleep as a foundation for metabolic health and weight management.

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Hunger, Hormones and Health: What Your Body’s Really Telling You kicks off this week’s Five Rivers episode, powered by Heald, and delivers a front-row seat to the most important conversation happening inside your body right now. Host Preetpal Singh welcomes ultramarathon runner, CEO, and founder of an IT company Vinayak Sharma to decode how everyday hunger signals, master hormones, and whole-person health metrics interact, information every U.S. viewer managing Type 2 diabetes, pursuing wellness, or producing health podcasts needs to hear.

The CDC projects one-third of Americans may develop diabetes by 2050, yet most treatment still ignores the hormonal conversation beneath calorie counts. Vinayak shows how small, evidence-backed changes to meal timing, nutrient ratios, nightly wind-downs, let your body’s real messages surface, lowering A1C, reducing visceral fat, and boosting morning energy without crash diets.

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Move for Joy, Not Just Results: A Fresh Take on Fitness, welcome to a new episode of Five Rivers, the health-and-wellness podcast proudly sponsored by Heald. Host Preetpal Singh sits down with movement specialist Nadeem Ashraf to explore why joyful exercise matters just as much as measurable progress. If you’re living with Type 2 diabetes, striving for sustainable weight loss, or simply looking for motivation to get moving again, this conversation is for you.

In today’s show, we break down the neuroscience of enjoyment, the psychology of habit formation, and the metabolic advantages that fun, low-stress workouts deliver. You’ll discover how prioritizing pleasure over punishment can improve insulin sensitivity, stabilize blood sugar, and help reverse diabetes progression. From salsa steps in your living room to five-minute walk breaks between Zoom calls, Nadeem shares practical hacks that fit real American lifestyles.

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Hunger, Hormones and Health: What Your Body’s Really Telling You ? That's the big question on this week’s Five Rivers podcast, proudly sponsored by Heald. In this eye-opening episode, host Preetpal Singh sits down with functional-nutrition expert Shannon Davis to decode how daily hunger signals, metabolic hormones, and overall health form a real-time language your body uses to tell you what it really needs. If you live with Type 2 Diabetes, struggle with stubborn weight, or simply want to upgrade your wellness routine, this conversation is really for you.

Understanding what your body’s really telling you about hunger and hormonal signals is essential, especially for anyone managing type 2 diabetes or committed to improving their health. Shannon Davis shares her expert knowledge on how hormones like insulin, ghrelin, and leptin work together, influencing appetite and metabolic health. We dive into practical tips for managing hunger hormones to support a balanced diet and better health outcomes.

Whether you are living with type 2 diabetes, a health podcaster looking for valuable content, or a wellness advocate interested in hormonal health, this episode provides actionable information. As part of the Five Rivers podcast series, sponsored by Heald, our mission is to empower you with knowledge that fosters long-term health and wellness.

Visit HealD for more resources on diabetes management!

The Paradox of Happiness: Why Feeling Good Can Feel Heavy?

That’s the big question on this week’s Five Rivers podcast, powered by Heald. Host Preetpal Singh sits down with Heartfulness practitioner Srikanth Katakam to untangle how feeling good can sometimes weigh on both mind and metabolism, especially for people managing Type 2 diabetes in the U.S. healthcare landscape.

In just under an hour, we cover the neuroscience, psychology, and physiology behind the “happiness load.” You’ll hear how dopamine-driven pleasure spikes mirror glucose spikes, why chronic optimism without balance can elevate cortisol, and how that cascade erodes insulin sensitivity and sabotages metabolic health.

Whether you’re a wellness coach, health podcaster, clinician, or someone actively reversing diabetes, this conversation equips you to convert fleeting highs into steady-state tranquility, without sacrificing joy. We drill into continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), behavioral psychology, sleep hygiene, and mindful movement, delivering practical tips you can apply TODAY to flatten both emotional and glycemic volatility.

Visit HealD for more resources on diabetes management!

In this insightful episode of the Five Rivers podcast, sponsored by Heald, host Preetpal Singh sits down with Men's health expert Jeff Siegel to discuss a crucial topic for anyone looking to take control of their health and well-being - Why Sleep, Screens & Support Matter Most for optimal living, especially when managing Type 2 Diabetes. This episode dives deep into the importance of sleep, mindful screen usage, and building strong social support systems for better health management.

As Type 2 diabetes continues to impact millions, Jeff Siegel emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to health, one that goes beyond just diet and exercise. The episode uncovers how inadequate sleep, excessive screen time, and lack of meaningful social connections contribute to chronic stress, weight gain, and poor blood sugar control. By understanding and optimizing these factors, individuals can reduce stress and enhance their body’s ability to manage glucose levels effectively.

Throughout this engaging conversation, Siegel shares actionable strategies for getting better sleep, reducing screen time, and building a network of support tools that are essential for anyone living with diabetes or striving for better overall wellness. These strategies can also help reverse the damaging effects of lifestyle habits that aggravate chronic conditions like diabetes.

Key topics covered in this episode include:
- The crucial role of sleep in diabetes management and overall health.
- How screen time impacts mental and physical health, and how to create a healthy relationship with screens.
- Building strong support networks and why loneliness can be a silent killer for men managing their health.
- Proactive steps to take control of your health through lifestyle changes and preventative care.
- Practical tips for improving your daily routine to reduce stress and enhance wellness.

Whether you're managing Type 2 diabetes or simply seeking ways to live a healthier, more balanced life, this episode is packed with insights and advice you can start implementing today. Tune in now for expert advice on how small shifts in your daily habits can lead to lasting improvements in your health, mindset, and quality of life.

Visit HealD for more resources on diabetes management!

Welcome to the latest Five Rivers podcast episode, sponsored by Heald, where host Amber Smith sits down with diabetes expert Danica Collins for an inspiring conversation titled "Beyond Genetics: How Culture, Habits & Community Shape Diabetes." In this powerful healthcare podcast episode, Danica Collins shares her personal journey managing diabetes and provides eye-opening insights into how cultural influences, lifestyle habits, and community support play a vital role in diabetes prevention and management.

Throughout the episode, Danica explains that while genetics can set the stage, factors such as diet, exercise, and environmental influences are key determinants in the development of Type 2 Diabetes. She highlights the importance of adopting healthy nutritional practices, engaging in regular physical activity, and fostering supportive networks to combat chronic disease. This conversation is particularly valuable for the US audience, healthcare professionals, and individuals seeking wellness strategies, as it delves into practical solutions that empower people to take control of their health.

Amber Smith and Danica Collins discuss innovative approaches to healthy eating-including creating community gardens, choosing nutrient-dense foods over processed alternatives, and embracing strength training to improve insulin sensitivity. They also tackle the challenges many face in underserved communities, where access to quality food and health education is limited. By examining the intersection of cultural heritage and modern health challenges, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on how proactive lifestyle changes can break the cycle of diabetes that often runs in families.

If you’re passionate about diabetes care, wellness, and making informed lifestyle choices, this episode is a must-watch. Join us as we explore transformative ideas, practical tips, and real-life stories that demonstrate you don’t have to accept diabetes as a destiny.

Visit HealD for more resources on diabetes management!